Marsh II, SLR Magic 35mm T1.4 PreProduction lens test

Andrew, the owner of SLR Magic, the small lens company based in Hong Kong sended me a Pre Production model of his 35mm T1.4 lens.

This model is improved in many ways.

Improved areas are:

1) Lens Coating

2) Less field curvature

3) Smoother focus

4) Geared focus ring

5) Higher resolving power

6) 52mm filter which is easier to find filters for compared to 37mm for the 35mm f/1.7.

The lens will be selling at $349. It will initially come with a manufacturers rebate of around $50-70 depending on country.

I did not do a scientific test. I rather try to create something nice and see how this lens works in practice.

It feels robust. Fosussing is smooth. It’s fast although not a hyperprime. The footage from the lens is vgreat. It also has the same kind of flare as the 12mm 1.6 lens. The bonus of this lens is it has lens gears on it. So easy to use with a follow Focus. There is no lens hood even for the final version. It does have a metal cap for final version.

This lens is not as razor sharp as let’s say the Voigtländer 25mm. But it is a lot cheaper.

As the 35mm T1.4 is meant to be an upgrade to the 35mm f/1.7 lens, SLR magic will be offering a trade-in program for SLR Magic 35mm f/1.7 owners who would like to upgrade their lens to the SLR Magic CINE 35mm T1.4

Building trust cost short term but let’s hope it keeps these cats in business
for many years. I believe in new team SLR Magic. They understand price
point to move forward and to reach the top. They are delivering an old school
CIN design that truly rock’s. I for one hope they avoid higher ticket prices
with their basic artistic originality i.e. quality blades & glass-period. Perhaps
formulate some intellect (VR) for hand held after a series of these master
pieces. I obviously have the 12mm and am very interested in the 35mm.
I love the crispness of the Voits and Olys but timing for SLR Magic and
myself i.e. GH3 – just adding 4-3 to my world is fantastico.